Prologue: Change of Plans

At the square in front of the library entrance, the fourteenth Team Battle of the Academy War was about to begin.

In the opposing party, the head of the team was Sryador Mir, the new Squad Leader ofKnight of the Blue Seas. 23 Years Old, with a level of 28, he was a new entry into the Heavy Knight Squad which belonged to the Ouera Empire. In battles, he specialized in using defenses and counterattacks, and his defensive strength was higher than his attack strength.

Dont ask me why I know all these. These idiots had already uploaded all these intel onto the magical internet. As long as we hack into their countrys database, we will be able to easily obtain all of their intel.

The person next to him was their Vice-Leader, Henrens Haste. He was also a knight of the Ouera Empire as well. With a level of 30, he was a Dual-swordsman. According to what was stated in the intel report, this bastard tend to coat his daggers with poison. However, this guy rely too much on the poisons effects. The moment he saw that his opponents had took his hits, he would reduce his attack speed.

The remaining one was a Fire Magician, Sidor Martin. With a level of 27, he specialized in continuous harassment with small-scale fireballs, and then, he would cast large-scale magic spells to attack when his opponents stop moving.

These three people could be considered to have the best compatibility out of the many different teams. Although I dont wish to admit it, these seemingly many weeks of battles had allowed the teamwork between the Knights and Magicians to improve, and their relationships had gotten better as well.

But

If their opponents are us, then there no way out left for them.

Are you sure youre going up on your own?

The one who said this was Bai Yueguang, who was looking at the scenery at the side of the square.

Thats of course. And isnt your blade destroyed? In times like this, just leave it to me.

Alright then. Then I dont need to cut in either, right?

The person on the other side was Tai Shixi. Her weapon was not destroyed, however, I still wish to try if its possible to take on a group of enemies with our difference in levels.

If I were to lose, then you two can tag in.

Alright, alright. Then I will be waiting at the side.

After saying that, she immediately sat on the ground, and looked towards the square.

You shall pay the price for being so conceited!

Mir raised his broadsword as he looked at me. His broadsword revealed a red glow, in other words, in order to suppress my ice element, this guy especially looked for a fire-type broadsword. He sure thought this through.

I will definitely have to pay the price or whatever, but its simply not now.

I smiled. After wearing a magic badge which increased my magical attack, I pulled out Bloodmoon.

Come!

Begin Battle!

Immediately after the teachers signal, their dual-swordsman took a step forward, and disappeared in front of my eyes. However, he did not reappear immediately, which meant that this guy had simply used a tool or skill to hide himself.

This guys level was not as high as mine. So, naturally, its impossible for him to escape myPhads Eye. In other words, he was using a tool of a higher grade to hide himself.

However, his goal was to simply poison me, so it didnt matter.

While the Broadsword User came charging towards me while carrying his broadsword on his shoulder!

Broadswords had highly-efficient defense breaking characteristics, while I what Im using was a tachi, so naturally, I would be unable to block against his heavy attack!

I leapt to the back in order to avoid his heavy slash, while a red shadow instantly smashed right in front of me. Following after a loud bang, a red airwave spewed out from the place he attacked!

Arcane Searing Red Lotus!

It was actually an Arcane skill as well! I smiled, and then, an ice wall was built in front of me. The blazing waves struck onto the ice wall, and was blocked completely, while I took the opportunity to retreat with an Accelerate, hiding to the sides of the battlefield.

But what welcomed me was a sky filled with fire balls!

Like cannonballs, the fireballs which covered the heaven and earth flew towards me. UsingLight Steps, I quickly circled around the sides of the battlefield, and sprinted towards their rear. Those fireballs were like droplets of rain, as they descended onto the ground. While I quickly pushed forward while making left and right turns, and charged out of the attack radius before it turned into a sea of flames.

Guaaaah!

Seeing my speedy approach, the Fire Magician shouted out as he hid towards the back. With a quick step, I charged right in front of him, and then, I smacked away the magic staff in his hands.

With your staff gone, youre unable to use large-scaled magic spells, because this magic staff allows you to reduce your casting time. And if you dont use your staff, you require at least 50 seconds to release a large-scaled magic spell, anyone who sees you will be able to strike you down. So, you best remember this. In the future, carry a weapon that will not escape your hands.

Ou

He responded with a stunned look. And then, with a smile, I threw him out of the battlefield.

Kuh!

But, in the next second, I felt a sword had cut across my thigh. Then, my body entered a poisoned state.

Even though that was the case, I detoxified myself in the next second, because I wore a detoxifying accessory in advance.

However, because of his attack, he evidently revealed his figure. I speedily aimed right at his dual swords, and unleashed the Iai Slash. The blades of the swords instantly shattered!

Oh my god, you

Your poison is neurotoxic, which carries a paralysis effect. However, do not forget this. The more you use it, naturally, more people will be able to see through your tricks. So, in the future, if you wish to become stronger, theres two ways. One, change to a different poison. Two, do not rely on the poison effects, and attack with your full strength!

Ah Ou Is that so.

Just like that Magician earlier, he had a skeptical expression as well, while I immediately threw him out of the battlefield.

And correspondingly, an attack warning rang from behind me. I immediately left an Ice Bomb at where I was standing, and then, with a Shadow Sneak, I charged to the other side of the battlefield.

His broadsword struck directly onto the Ice Bomb.

This is Oh, my god.

Boom!

The Ice Bomb, as expected, exploded. The ice magical particles enveloped his entire vicinity, and he turned into a gigantic ice flower.

He tried to struggle out of the ice flower which was sealing him, however, no matter how much he moved, his body was unable to struggle out.

After a few minutes, he finally sighed and stopped struggling.

Why arent you attacking me!? Are you trying to humiliate me!?

He roared out angrily.

No, I simply wish to have you deeply experience the advantages you should be exerting to the fullest potential. Thats your defenses and counterattacks, and not charge out recklessly just because your opponent is a Magician, or a user of weapons thats lighter than yours. Thats very dangerous. Because the trajectories of broadsword attacks are too simplistic.

You

Alright.

I snapped my fingers, and he instantly fell out of the ice flower.

Allow me to see your true abilities!

With Quick Steps, I charged right over, as I pulled out the tachi in my hands.

Arcane Iai Slash!

With a flip, my opponent leapt up, his expression was stern. Turning the broadsword in his hands, he borrowed the momentum of the broadsword to instantly deflect the slash attack! Then, he pressed down his broadsword, and a slash attack came falling towards me.

Iai Slash was an attack with only a single time use. If it did not hit its target, it would continue heading straight for a long period of time.

But, that rule only applied to Samurais, and not Magicians.

His slash attack heavily smashed onto my ice shield, causing me to take a few good consecutive steps back. However, I was able to successfully grabbed onto his broadsword.

Alright then, this is the next lesson. When your broadsword is caught, how are you supposed to retaliate?

This

Remember, learn a couple of skills which allow you to retreat at high speed. And then, bring a few more broadswords.

With a smile, I threw him out of the battlefield as well.

Victor, NEET Tea Party

The teacher who was in-charge of refereeing the match, announced as such.

A week later, our NEET Tea Partys score instantly reached a hundred points.

Of course, that wasnt the result gained just by my own constant grinding for points, rather its the result of our opponents sending their points to us, as though they were seeking death themselves!

Ting~ Ting~ Ting~

Knight of the Blue Seas challenges NEET Tea Party

Sweeper challenges NEET Tea Party

Do these people know the time I wake up or something? I heard these challenge notifications the moment I got out of bed.

As I yawned, I walked down the stairs. I realized the hall was already fully seated, and all of them were currently having breakfast.

Yo, good morning. Did you guys see the notifications?

We saw them. Those people are sure not stopping at all. Even though we have clearly reached 100 points yesterday, those people still keep sending challenges.

Ms. Mari said while biting on her sandwich.

Hey, hey, hey. You dont seem to live here, right? Why are you eating your breakfast here!?

Dont sweat the details. Its just breakfast, isnt it? Im the one who set up protections for your airship for free, you know.

I shook my head, and then, sat at the edge of the table.

Speaking of which, why are those bastards still continuing to send out challenges? Even though we clearly won.

Arent all these because of your teachings?

Bai Yueguang said while he drank his cup of orange juice.

While youre battling with them, you even instruct them on how they should be fighting. I heard that the strength of the group of three fromKnight of the Blue Seasrose by more than just a single level after receiving your teachings. I dont know how those Knights managed to find out that you were the one providing the battle instructions either. But, after finding out, those people began to send out the strongest battle potential from their own Squads, in hopes that you will personally engage them in a battle.

Then while you guys are fighting, give them some pointers as well. Wont that solve everything?

Are you kidding me? Youre the only one here who uses all types of weapons, alright?

I swept my gaze at the surrounding hall, and suddenly felt that what he said sounded very logical.

Those people sure are idiots. Compared to giving me trouble by using this method, they can simply come to me and have a chat. If I can convince them to avoid starting wars while doing so, I think it can be considered to be something good as well.

Youre too idealistic. Dont forget, the reason we needed to use this method was because were in opposing factions.

Ah, the things about pride and honor, right? I really cant understand their thoughts at all.

No, you can.

Bai Yueguang said with a very stern expression.

Their honor is just like your girlfriend. You cant always keep quietwhen you see her being NTRed right in front of you, can you? Even though you didnt suffer any physical damage

Even though I kind of understand what youre getting at, I think your comparison is a little too extreme.

Is that so? I think its the best comparison though.

Alright, I cant disagree that his explanation have allowed me to somehow understand those Knights way of thinking.

But I dont really have any thoughts about them, at the very least, I definitely am not interested in their girlfriends or whatever.

Alright, I somehow understand the gist of it, but I cant bother to take care of those prideful individuals any longer. If any of you wish to take on the battles, go then. I have other matters to tend to today. Oh right, Dale, youre here as well. Let me have a look at the new intel you said you found.

Un, you will definitely be interested.

Dale finished three-fifths of his breakfast, and then, stood up.

Lets go, I guarantee that its something really interesting.

Do you mind waiting while Ifinish my breakfast?

I smiled bitterly.

Academy War? Arent we supposed to wait for all the battles to conclude, and those academies in the Eastern Continent to decide on the date of the start of the war?

After reading the details on the terminal, I looked towards Dale with a bitter smile.

In theory, yes. However, these nobles really like to do things at their own pace, after all. Casually

Youre right This sure is irritating.

According to the details on the terminal, the Inter-continental Academy War will be brought forward to next week. Although the name was like this, in actual fact, its simply a competition to see which of the two sides, the East and the West, has the stronger youths, ranging from 10 to 25 years old.

Another competition, huh. To tell the truth, this is merely a small-scale continental war, only the heavens will know what kind of ideas these noble can think of to save their own faces.

But if we have to compete, the bit of battle power we have on our side will not cut it. After all, even if our Squad is strong, our numbers are less than 50. If our opponent comes to us with a Squad comprising more than a few hundred people, I think we will suffer a complete loss in a war of attrition.

Is that a good thing or a bad thing?

Isnt this obvious? Are you saying that it might be a good thing?

Thats of course. Think about it. If only a few of us is capable of eliminating their group of a few hundred people, we will definitely become famous.

And then?

We will be able to initiate more quests, level up faster, acquire more godly equipment, get a fuller understanding of this world much earlier, and we might even be able to find a way to return home.

Un, if you put it that way, thats indeed true.

Dale sipped a cup of tea, and nodded.

Regarding the way to return home, well, I plan to use the magical power of this world to try creating a wormhole. I wonder if it can succeed.

Hey, hey, hey. Dont try anything funny. You might accidentally turn into pudding.

Hahaha, with Spatial Magic as a base, that possibility should exist.

Thats true Oh right, back then, I even gathered some diagrams of magic teleportation formations, and the methods to set the magic stones. You can have a look at them.

As he said that, I passed Dale the screenshots I took back then.

Oh, things like these exist as well, huh.

Un. The first one is the teleportation circle the people of the East used to escape back then, and the other is the teleportation formation located in Skyview Academy of Skybreak City.

Strange. Why hasnt anyone in the Western Continent made a teleportation formation?

How would I know? Though, I have my theories. Think about it.Theres definitely many places like the Church, which basically do not spread their knowledge in Light Magic. Most probably, theres a organization which specialize in gathering Spatial Magic, and does not share it either.

Well Since the inhabitants of this world are doing things this way, let them be then. However, if theres a chance for me to obtain it, I will definitely allow them to spread far and wide.

Oh right, the Light Magic spell I passed to you people the other day, were you people really unable to use it?

Un. It seems like its due to class and type restrictions. Im a Lightning Magician, but to have me use Light Magic unless I have Priest as my sub-class.

Is that so

Who knows whats up with that strange class setting of yours. Well, lets leave it at that then. We will talk about it again later if we get the chance.

Ting~

Squad Leader ofSweeperrequests a battle with Squad Leader ofNEET Tea Party. Both parties, please meet at the square outside of the library entrance at three in the afternoon.

The clear and crisp voice interrupted our conversation. After heaving a helpless sigh, I looked at the time.

Alright, it seems like those people wont forgive me if I dont appear. I shall first head to the town outside to get something to eat. See you later.

Un, see you.

I have already heard thatSions Doorand theSmuuhousehold had signed a contract throughBluemoon, and they had begun to create connect weapons through merging a few technologies, magic, and mystic arts. In other words, theyre upgraded versions of those weapons I bought before.

However, I never expected that the actual product would be released this quickly.

When I arrived at the library entrance, I was given a shock by the weapon in Meruns hands. If the Dual Magic Chainsaws which Aliyah wield were small, then this Magic Chainsaw, with the design of broadsword used as a base, must be extremely huge.

A meter and a half no, this should be two meters in length, right? It was a large-sized magic chainsaw that was coated entirely in red. There was even a physical electrical chainsaw beneath the exterior of the magic chainsaw teeth, which should be used as a mean for physical attacks once the mana has been depleted, and the swap should be an automatic process as well.

The entire weapon was based off the structure of a broadsword, and the blade of the sword was simply replaced by the chainsaw teeth.

And at the hilt of the sword, a handguard and a reinforced casing had been as well. Most probably, theyre there to prevent others from removing the weapon off her hands.

It seemed like back then, the battle tactic I used, where I smashed my opponents weapon out of the battlefield, had made them add these functions. However, in this case, the flexibility in wielding their weapons would decrease.

And her armor was evidently a new set, as it seemed to have undergone reinforcements. There were more gaps, most likely, theyre there to increase nimbleness. However, wouldnt the parts of the body that were not covered by the armor be exposed?

Could it be because I have never used my weapon to attack their joints?

This entire set of equipment couldnt have been developed just to defeat me, right?

Thats too luxurious!

Yo, Merun, long time no see.

Thats indeed so, and I can feel that you have grown much stronger than before.

Unexpectedly, this girl actually replied. Though, I really wished to say you have gotten stronger as well, since your level was now 35.

Otherwise, the higher-ups wouldnt have allowed me to use this set of equipment to defeat you, right? ThisHigh-Grade Monster Annihilation Set would only be used when we raid high-grade monsters, and this weapon,Monster Ripper Type Zero can tear through the shells of high-grade monsters, excluding earth-type monsters. if used against humans, only the armor used by Heavy Knights or Saint Knights can barely resist against it.

I really have to thank you for your explanation. But youre sure talkative today, its not your style at all.

Un, because I wish that you will use your full strength to defeat me, and only then will I be able to find out my limit. I dont wish to admit it, but right now, all of the students in the school are able to understand that youre the strongest person in this academy. Because, even if you dont borrow the strength of any divine equipment, youre able to defeat those people who do. Just by this point alone, we understand that were already completely outclassed.

If you put it that way, then I shouldnt be using quite a lot of items~

As I said that, I stabbedBloodmoonandGhostbreakinto the ground.

For example, these weapons.

No, Im not saying that youre not allowed to use them. After all, my equipment are already the strongest one could find in our Knight Squad. So Fight with all your strength!

Then tell you your weaknesses?

Something like that.

Alright then, but theres two things I wish to clarify. One, Im still not the strongest in this academy. Theres many experts that have basically not revealed themselves. Two, watch out for your joints!

Thank you for your warning. I, Merun Oryansi, theEraser, Annihilation Brigade Commander of the Kingstand Knight Squad, seek your advice!

I, Lin Fir, State Magician of Ice Empire, accept your challenge!

With a wave of my hand, I stored the two weapons that were stabbed in the ground. Then, after taking a step back, I entered the invisible state.

Invisibility?

Merins expression changed.

As expected, she had already memorized all of my battle data obtained from my previous battles, and there should only be records of me using Ice Magic and sword techniques. In regards toBloodmoonandGhostbreak, I basically did not use them while I was using this identity, hence, in my battle data, theres naturally not many records on them.

And

This was definitely my first time using Invisibility. Other than Dual-Swordsmen, Assassins and Rogues, the rest of the classes basically were unable to learn them.

And its basically illogical for Magicians to use Invisibility spells. Because when using magic, Magicians have to chant, and while chanting, magic particles will be concentrated together. In an one-on-one, unless the opponent is really too incapable, otherwise, how is it possible to not feel the concentration of energy?

Unfortunately This doesnt cause much trouble for me.

Because I dont have to chant!

Bloom, Arcane Ice FlowerMultiply

Blue magic formations shone under Meruns feet. However, she did not stop even for an instant, as she instantly charged right out, and the Ice Flowers simply blew apart at her earlier position! The thorns of theIce Flower came piercing towards her from the back!

Ice Magic Resistant State, release!

White steam began to emit out from Meruns armor, and a red phoenix mark could be seen on the exterior layer of the armor. The armor she was wearing emitted out a layer of red hue at its exterior, and those ice thorns had already melted before they could even approach her!

It cant be

One Ice Flower after another bloomed in her vicinity, yet, the moment opened themselves, they instantly melted. In just a few dozen seconds, only pools of water were left on the ground.

This battle power No, this can no longer be considered as battle power. Whats going on with this BUG-like armor!?

Ice Totem Multiply!

Five pillars of ice came smashing towards Merun. Before they even approached her, the ice pillars began to turn into water. After flying onto the surface of the armor, they turned into white fumes.

While Merun simply turned around and looked towards my direction. Raising the Magic Chainsaw high up with her hands, her figure turned into a red blur as she charged towards me!

Arcane Hells Hymn!

Following after her slashes, red-colored sword waves, carrying a black glow, came sprouting out from the ground, like a black-colored fountain. Although I dont know what kind of attack it was, my instincts told me that I would definitely not make it out with light injuries if I were to touch it!

And currently, with my advantages ofPhads Eyeand the difference in levels between me and Merun, who was level 35, I could clearly feel that her current speed was slower than the speed she should actually possess.

Relative Speed!

Quick Steps!

I charged to the right, and immediately left Meruns attack range.

However, evidently, her skill could not be stopped, and it only ended right after slashing a total of eight times While long stretches of black-colored marks were left on the ground, and some places had even cracked apart.

Extremely high temperatures? Or is it something else?

Unfortunately, I do not possess Ms. Maris or Dales analytical abilities, and its impossible for me to analyse it even if I want to.

And Im unable to use my full strength. Its already crazy enough that Im capable of wielding both Ice Magic, Healing Magic and sword techniques at the same time. If I were to use spells or skills of any other elemental types, I think that many people in the academy will receive a heart attack, and will no longer love me anymore.

Oh, youre actually able to dodge this strike of mine!

After saying that, she once again accelerated as she chased after me, the Magic Chainsaw in her hands began to screech as it spun!

Oh my god, shes basically a chainsaw psycho!

Flipping to the back, I dodged her first slash. However, after she slashed, she swung the broadsword to the back, and once again came hacking towards me from the top.

I dont dare to pull outGhostbreakand compete with her in endurance at all. After all, Bai Yueguangs weapon had shattered right in front of my eyes earlier, and my staff was destroyed in that battle as well. This meant that the weapons are not invincible, and I will definitely be courting death if I clash head-on with her!

Arcane Ice Royal Garden!

At the same time, I summoned theIce Knight Armor. After all, her chainsaw was currently carrying fire elemental effects

The moment I cast it, her broadsword smashed onto my ice wall! Steam was produced, and then

Bang!

The entire ice wall was actually sliced apart!

Charge!

I charged towards the back, however, I could see that my HP had decreased by a small amount!

I looked towards my chest, and realized theIce Knight Armor had been torn open from the center, and blood was flowing out from the crack.

If it was a little deeper my chest would have been torn apart, right!?

Hey, hey, hey! Youre too ruthless, dont you think!?

Dont worry, if you suffer from a state of apparent death, the battle barrier will automatically restrict me!

This girl is still enjoying the moment, huh. Geez, looks like it wont do unless I get serious.

Hence, I touched the switch in my pocket, and smiled.